7 Comments:

5/9/08-I have been reading your blog since I "Googled" and bought a clean Smith and Wesson Model 19 2+1/2" blued in the box with waxed paper wrapper, tools and instructions about 6 months ago for what I thought was a good deal (no buyers remorse)Thanks to you I am also thinking about buying a real camera with lensesAny suggestion- Kids in sports and as much as $1000.00 +/-

Conant, I tried that, and found that i liked it better with her in it. The blue cap lady right behind the main subjects provides a visual direction to the left that is hard to overcome. Trying to photoshop her out was beyond my capabilities. The striped shirt woman provides a bit of visual "reward" if the viewer's eye travels there due to the blue cap lady. Plus, they both give a sense of place.

Dave, I'm not familiar enough with all the new gear to make an informed recommendation. If you have old manual lenses (or auto focus ones) make sure to buy a camera that can use them. If you do not, I advise a Nikon or Canon.

Nikon tends to have superior glass, while Canon seems to have more advanced electronics. I advise you to consider what is called a "prosumer" grade, which is a step above a consumer grade body, but still below a pro body. I also strongly advise going digital with a body that will accept manual lenses. Film will, I'm afraid, go the way of the dinosaur soon.

Ken Rockwell (his site is linked in my sidebar) is very knowledgeable, has tried many of the new stuff, and gives an honest unbiased opinion. I strongly advise a trip to his website for research.

With a couple of decent zoom lenses you are on your way..... in DX digital, a 18-70 and a 70-210 and maybe a fast fifty prime lens and you are set. For sports photography you will want a 70-210 or 70 -300 zoom with a fast apreture, as well as a body with a fast shutter. These are attainable now in your price range. If you chose wisely, and have a camera that accepts manual lenses, shop Adorama or BH Photo for used equipment. Ebay as well.

I see your point about the blue cap lady. In the old days I'd darken her some by burning in while printing. I think photoshop has a similar tool, as well as one that would let you soften the focus on her so she blended into the rest of the background. I think the strength of this photo is the crisp image of the interaction between the father and son. My sense its that the rest is a distraction.

Xavier,There are variations of emotions going on that you captured: the father's interest in the speaker in contrast to the son's boredom and the striped woman's concern or worried look compared to the possible disinterest with the woman in the cap.

With the assumption that this was taken at a Tea Party, to me, the transition from out of focus concern/worry to the calm reserve of the father and boredom of son, brings me to the thought that "yeah, we're going to make it through this." I like this one.

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Xavier is a Registered Nurse who specialized in complex wound care. He has practiced for over fourteen years in his community. He often provided nursing service in areas where law enforcement refused to enter without back-up. Xavier now works in surgery.
Xavier has been an avid shooter for over 30 years. He strongly supports the 2nd Amendment, opposes gun control of any sort, and carries a weapon 24 hours a day.
Xavier is known on various internet gun forums as XavierBreath. He is married with three children, and is moderated by an apathetic one eyed cat, a goofy Golden Retriever, and a stalwart German Shepherd Dog. One day, he hopes to be deserving of them all.

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The Five Rules of Concealed Carry
1. Your concealed handgun is for protection of life only.
2. Know exactly when you can use your gun.
3. If you can run away -- RUN!
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